Meal Planning Tip #1

Tip #1:

When meal prepping, choose a family favorite and then modify it to make it healthier.

For example, my family loves tacos! (Who doesn't, honestly?!)

Instead of making tacos with ground beef, choose lentils, ground turkey, ground chicken, or black beans instead.

I always replace ground beef with 1-2 cups of cooked lentils, combined with taco seasoning (recipe below). I will also be sharing an excellent walnut-lentil taco meat recipe later!

Look for whole grain tortillas or serve tacos over a bed of greens. Heating whole grain tortillas in the oven or microwave before serving helps soften them.

Toppings to include: chopped tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, roasted corn. I do not ever recommend dairy, but if you must have it, sour cream and cheddar cheese can be replaced with plant-based options.

For a filling taco bowl, roast small potatoes, peppers, and onions and serve alongside greens, meat (or meat substitute). Top with anything you choose.

Taco seasoning: (original recipe from tosimplyinspire.com)

• 4-6 T chili powder

• 4 tsp ground cumin

• 3 tsp. paprika

• 2 tsp. garlic powder

• 2 tsp. onion powder

• 1 tsp. black pepper

• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

• Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use 2 T with 1 pound of meat or 1 c lentils/beans.

Happy planning!